In a joint programme on aquatic systems, three universities—the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), the Universiteit Antwerpen (UA) and the Universiteit Gent (UGent)—are joining forces. For this programme, these institutions are being supported by the knowledge of many collaborating institutions and experts. In this way, this course of study offers an important expansion of the offerings of specific knowledge domains within marine and lacustrine sciences and management. The programme provides insight into the diversity and complexity of the life and processes in the oceans, seas, lakes and estuaries and skills to study and manage them. Due to the increasing pressure on these ecosystems, marine and lacustrine research, management and policy are becoming more and more important. With this specific master's programme, the three universities not only want to expand the knowledge and insight of scientists to other disciplines, but at the same time they also want to concentrate on the specific environments of the oceans, seas, deep lakes and estuaries. This means acquiring depth in certain scientific disciplines as well as the examination of common ground with other disciplines and social sectors.

This multidisciplinary Master’s diploma is your admission ticket to a fascinating professional world and can be the start of an international career. As a scientist with a broad education, you are the right person for functions that require an integrated approach. The integration of knowledge from across various disciplines is valuable, and you can contribute significantly in various jobs that are concerned with marine and lacustrine domains, wherever they are in the world. The programme is broad and deep and can complement a wide range of scientific professions.

Needed: people with expertise in the area of sustainable utilization and management of marine and lacustrine ecosystems

Due to the increasing pressure on the natural marine and lacustrine ecosystems, there is an ever-increasing need for highly educated and trained people to collaborate, from their multidisciplinary expertise, on the sustainable utilization and management of these ecosystems. This offers many challenging prospects for the future. As a Master with expertise and experience in Oceans & Lakes, you are a scientist who has the underlying foundation and the necessary capacities to contribute to the most up-to-date forms of education, pure and applied research and policy-supporting assignments.